WaterVerge

Is Redfield, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

744 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IA2564074
Overall Score
94.4 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#22 of 436 in Iowa Top 3% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
94.4/100
waterverge.com
A 94.4/100

Redfield, IA — Water Quality Report

Redfield's drinking water received a grade of A (94.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 744 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Redfield's water

Redfield ranks #22 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Redfield relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Redfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.4 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Redfield, IA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Redfield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 744 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Redfield

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Redfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.4/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Benzene.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Benzene.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Redfield's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Redfield's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2008 Benzene Resolved
Jul 2008 Benzene Resolved
Jul 2006 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2005 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2001 Arsenic Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Dallas County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include South Raccoon River At Redfield.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4421
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3239
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1230

Where does Redfield's water come from?

Redfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 744 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Raccoon River At Redfield (river).

What Redfield residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Redfield's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

8
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Oct 2008
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

8 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
7 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Arsenic Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2008 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jul 2008 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2008
Jul 2006 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2006
Jul 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2005
Oct 2001 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2002
Dec 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jul 1991 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1995
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Redfield

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Redfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SIOUX CITY BRICK & TILE CO UNITED BRICK & TILE A DIV
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · BRICKWORKS BUILDING PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA
ADEL, IA50003
8.7 mi
CENTRAL IOWA READY MIX
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · RASMUSSEN GROUP
ADEL, IA50003
9.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Mar 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Dallas County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Mar 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4421
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3239
Jul 1998
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1230
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #996
May 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #868
Apr 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #259

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.1 ppb from 1993 (2.1 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
744
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Redfield's water comes from

Groundwater

Redfield's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 744 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Redfield

Redfield is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

South Raccoon River At Redfield
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Redfield

System Name PWSID Population Source
REDFIELD WATER WORKS IA2564074 744 GW
Regional Comparison

How Redfield compares

Full Iowa rankings →

Redfield's score of 94.4/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Redfield (this city)
94.4
Ames
81.5
Iowa avg
72
City Profile

About Redfield, IA

Wikipedia →

Redfield is a city, one of two incorporated settlements in Union Township, Dallas County, Iowa, United States, along the Middle Raccoon River. The population was 731 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$68,125
Median Income
$129,039
Median Home Value
$775/mo
Median Rent
2.4%
Unemployment
Community
32.6
Median Age
231
People / sq mi
11.8%
College Educated
80.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Redfield, IA tap water safe to drink?

Redfield's water quality earned a grade of A (94.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.

What contaminants are in Redfield's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.

How is Redfield's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Redfield?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Redfield's water come from?

Redfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 744 residents.

Is Redfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Redfield uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 8 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Redfield's water compare to other cities?

Redfield ranks #22 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 95% of state cities) and #515 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Redfield's small water system affect quality?

Redfield's system serves approximately 744 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 8 violations on record.